| This thesis presents a number of efficient, novel, error driven, online search and maximum power tracking controllers for PV-solar energy utilization schemes used in cottage/village electric energy supplies. The thesis validates a number of photovoltaic solar energy tracking and efficient energy/power utilization control schemes, developed by Dr. A.M. Sharaf, to cope with changing loads and solar insolation levels. The proposed dynamic tracking regulator matches the load Volt-Ampere (V-I) characteristics to the PV available power, hence ensuring dynamic matching conditions for maximum power tracking and energy utilization at all times.;If the solar insolation or irradiation level and ambient temperature change, the maximum available solar power operating point also changes. Therefore, for digital simulation purposes it is necessary to build an accurate model that is functionally specific to the nonlinear V-I characteristics of the solar cell/array. A computer model of the solar array (volt-ampere relationship) including the effects of temperature and solar irradiation changes is developed in the MATLAB/Simulink/Power System block set software environment, and is used in the digital simulation. The array voltage is calculated as a function of the solar irradiation level, ambient temperature and changing load current. The thesis validates seven novel dynamic tracking controllers developed by Dr. Sharaf for maximum solar power/energy utilization. The novel on-line dynamic search algorithm, developed by Dr. A.M. Sharaf, is based on the dynamic voltage, current, or power error signals, continuously activating a proportional plus integral (PI) controller. The proposed controller structure requires only the online measured values of the photovoltaic array output voltage and current, or measured load voltage and current and motor speed. These can be easily measured with low-cost voltage and current sensors, transducers and a speed tachometer. Satisfactory validated results are obtained with the proposed dynamic tracking controllers, for both pure resistive loads as well as for a permanent magnet DC motor drive and for the AC load interface.;The proposed stand-alone low-cost PV systems are suitable for cottage/village/house electricity. They can be controlled by a low cost PIC 16 micro-controller and scaled to economic sizes in the range of 150 watts-12000 watts. |
